TONS OF CLASS

The five best World Cup centuries I have seen

- AYAZ MEMON

Scoring a century in World Cups is a big deal. In 12 editions, there have been 196 centuries, including a few doubles. I did not report on the 1975 and 1979 World Cups. My journey began in 1983. These are the five best three-figure knocks I have seen in the last 10 tournaments.

5 GRAHAM GOOCH 

115 vs India, semifinal, Mumbai, 1987

GOOCH WAS a powerful striker who put a huge premium on his wicket. He also had a penchant for scoring big against India. His 752 runs in three Tests against Mohammad Azharuddin's team in 1990, including 333 at Lord's, still evoke unhappy memories.

Most painful, however, is the century in the 1987 World Cup semifinal. India were the favourites, but Gooch's astute understanding and experience of playing in India on previous tours, coupled with how India had played in this World Cup till then, told him that his best chance on a dry surface lay in neutralising the spin threat of Maninder Singh and Ravi Shastri.

In the buildup to the match, Gooch asked for local spinners, especially left-armers, to help England in net practice. Some unknown spinners wheeled away for hours at different lines and lengths, and England's batters, with Gooch leading the way, kept practising the sweep shot.

In the match, Gooch turned this meticulous preparation into precise execution. His century was a marvellous exhibition of skill and tenacity, and ruined India's plans. Maninder Singh got three wickets but at heavy cost; Shastri went wicketless. England amassed 254 for six-a hefty score at the time-and India were bundled out for 219 on a crumbling pitch. Off-spinner Eddie Hemmings claimed four wickets.

Gooch's brilliance took his team into the final, at the Eden Gardens, where they came a cropper against a young Australian team. Ironically, England's collapse started with Mike Gatting playing a reverse sweep!